Meet Lauren Bjel | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Bjel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I decided to pursue a creative career because I am just the type of person who’s always looking for what’s next. I’m stimulated by constant new experiences – and even unexpected experiences – so maybe I’m a little addicted to the way in acting career works where you never really know what’s gonna happen next. I also grew up surrounded by visual and performing arts, so it’s always been a part of me as well.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m an actor, so I create art that is sometimes captured on film, and sometimes only experienced by some people in a room and never seen or heard from again. I think in general as an actor, the only thing that sets us apart from each other is that we’re coming in with our full life experience that will be unique compared to anyone else’s.
I just finished filming a feature film in Rhode Island that I’m very excited about. I generally get cast in dramas, but this is my first comedic feature.
I would say I got where I am today by religiously submitting myself on Actors Access and Casting Networks. Haha but really. Every opportunity that led to something else either stemmed from one of those two sites, or from my first acting program at UCLA. I’ve met great actors and friends to collaborate with on independent film projects as well! I have written/produced/directed films myself, something I never thought I would do when I first started acting.
Asking if it was easy is a really interesting question because setting up a profile and submitting to jobs is relatively easy. Keeping up with it for years, pushing through all the times you don’t get a job, and getting over the anxiety of networking is what makes the process more mentally challenging. I had to let go of thinking that I needed to be somewhere in my career by a certain age, and I had to let go of the idea that I lost jobs because I wasn’t talented enough. I still get stressed out by this career on a weekly basis, but I engage in more positive self talk, and I have more friends around me that are in this business who are very supportive and engaged. That keeps me going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man, OK, off the top of my head one of my favorite places to eat is Yuko Kitchen. I feel like they give the right ratio of protein, carbs, and vegetables and I only have to order one dish to get all of that. My little pet peeve is when I need to order protein separately from vegetables at a restaurant. They also have an amazing apple mint blended lemonade drink.
There’s so many things to do in Los Angeles, and the city can be tailored to so many different interests and personality types. But if I wanted to show them my version of the best time ever, we would definitely be going to Sawtelle because that is probably my favorite area of town. I’m also really into thrifting, and that’s been my go-to for clothes for probably the past 10 years at least, so I would definitely show them my favorite thrift shops around town.
There’s also this really good Brazilian restaurant at the farmers market next to the Grove, it’s insanely busy during peak food times, but it is worth it if you are a meat eater.
I am a fan of Universal Studios because it’s pretty convenient for a theme park, so we would probably go there as well. The rest of the week could be filled with checking out different hiking spots, the beaches, and maybe a little getaway to Joshua tree or Solvang. I think those towns are fun and worth checking out if you’re not from around here!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I feel like even in my career so far, I have met so many people that have helped me in different ways, and it’s all these different people giving me a piece of advice here, or an opportunity there, that add up to leading me to where I am today, and the trajectory I will be going on in the future. Every single person in my life that I continue to talk to today has given me either an opportunity or at least a piece of advice that has helped me in my professional life. There are also people that I’ve lost touch with that have helped me in my career, and I’d like to acknowledge them as well.

Instagram: @laurenosity

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11201969/

Image Credits
Headshot by Jackson Davis